The Gold Souk is one of Dubai’s most underrated must-see attractions. A far cry from the flashy skyscrapers that shape the city’s landscape, it’s a warren of shady walkways that spark the imagination.
The best time to visit the Gold Souk is in the evening as it’s cooler. However, be prepared to be approached by persistent salesmen.
It’s a Souq
The word “souq” () is Arabic for a marketplace, and Dubai’s Gold Souk is one of the most famous. The narrow lanes here are lined with hundreds of jewelry stores.
When you step inside, you’ll see extravagant window displays adorned with everything from traditional Middle Eastern and Indian designs to intricate contemporary creations. Many shoppers consider a visit to the Gold Souk to be an essential part of their Dubai itinerary.
Aside from the gold shops, you’ll also find other retailers selling dried fruits, unique Arab clothing, chocolates, figurines, and much more. Many of these stores are family-run and offer great souvenirs for friends and relatives back home.
The best way to get to the Gold Souk is to take a water taxi, or abra, from Bur Dubai and stop at Deira Old Souq Marine Station. Alternatively, you can take the Dubai Metro and get off at Deira Main Bus Station or Banyas Square. Once you’re there, be sure to bring cash as most retail shops only accept it.
It’s a Market
One of the best things to do in Dubai is hop on a chugging abra and take an evocative ride through the back alleys of the city’s famous Gold Souk. A souk, or bazaar, is a great place to watch the locals go about their daily lives, and haggling is an essential part of the experience.
Located in the Deira area of Dubai, this particular souk is home to more than 300 outlets where skilled hagglers can get top deals on anything from traditional Indian jewellery to 24k gold coins and bars. It is also a popular stop for visitors on any tour of Dubai’s old town or Medina.
When shopping at this world’s largest gold market, keep in mind that the purity of the product is regulated and is guaranteed by ESMA. Also, be sure to ask about the making charges. This will help you determine whether or not you want to purchase a piece of jewellery.
It’s a Place to Bargain
A souk is an open market, a place to bargain and exchange goods and services. In Dubai, there are several souks including the Gold Souk. This is a set of narrow lanes filled with hundreds of jewellery stores. Here, you can find a variety of styles from traditional Middle Eastern to Indian and even Western jewels.
It is also a good idea to compare the prices at different places before making a purchase. This will help you get the best deal. Additionally, it is better to pay in cash rather than using a credit card. This will ensure that you do not pay the full price.
In order to avoid getting cheated, you should always ask for the current gold rate and the manufacturer’s cost. This will help you negotiate the price of the jewellery you are buying. It is also important to remember that gold prices fluctuate, so you should always keep an eye on the market.
It’s a Place to Shop
Dubai is known as a shopper’s paradise with many malls and brands that attract shopaholics from all over the world. But what people may not know is that there are also traditional souks and markets in the city that offer unique finds.
The Gold Souk is one of those places where you can shop for anything and everything. Some of the shops sell dry fruits, unique Arab clothing, chocolates, and figurines that make for great souvenirs for friends and family back home.
In terms of jewellery, the Gold Souk has everything from small pendants and earrings to large necklaces and bracelets. Most of the jewellery sold here is 18- to 22-karat pure.
The Gold Souk is open every day and is a popular attraction for visitors. It is also near other tourist attractions such as the Spice Souk and Dubai Creek. All establishments and vendors in the Gold Souk have been following special health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing between guests and staff, sanitizing high-touch areas and locations, temperature checks, and contact tracing.